Things You Probably Already Have That You Will Need:

A 9-inch round pie plate – I like glass plates.
A large glass or metal mixing bowl – Again, I like glass.
An electric hand mixer – I suppose you could use a stand mixer, but I like the results from the hand mixer.
A flat space to roll out dough and a rolling pin – I use a large glass cutting board the same depth as the kitchen counter and just about equal width.
Double boiler
Wire rack
A clock or timer

Ways to Cheat or Ways to Speed along the Process (Depending on Your Viewpoint):

Purchase ready-made pie crust.  Pick up the recipe at the plating step (#7).
Purchase ready-made whipped topping.  I really don’t recommend this one.  Homemade whipped cream is tastier than store-bought, and it’s super easy to make.

Things You Need to Know Before You Begin:

Start to finish takes several hours.  The pie filling needs to sit at least five hours in the refrigerator to set before adding topping.  If you are able to make it first thing in the morning, it will be ready for dinner.

The pie contains raw eggs.  I love the sweetness of raw eggs, but some people might be a bit leery of eating them.  If you use fresh, clean eggs and are careful about refrigeration, you should be just fine.

Ingredients

For Crust:

1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
4 Tablespoons cold water

For Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup butter at room temperature (Use the real deal.  Don’t use margarine or spread.  Trust me.)
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs

For Topping:

1 cup whipping cream
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
Shavings (or curls if you’re fancy) from unsweetened chocolate (approximately ½ to 1 ounce)

What to Do

1. Over medium heat, melt chocolate for filling in a double boiler.  Stir constantly until melted.  Remove from heat and cool completely.  While you are waiting for the chocolate to cool, make the pie crust.
2. Preheat oven to 450˚.  In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.  Cut in shortening until flour mixture pieces are the size of peas (If you have a pastry blender, this process might be easier.  I use two forks).
3. Add 1 Tablespoon of water to the flour mixture.  Toss with a fork until combined.  Repeat process with remaining water (1 Tablespoon at a time).  All of the flour mixture should be moistened.
4. Form the dough into a ball.
5. On a lightly floured surface, place dough and flatten with your hands.  Sprinkle a small amount of flour on dough, if it is too sticky.  Flour the rolling pin and roll the dough from the center to the edges to make a circle.  Continue rolling to create an even crust approximately 12 inches in diameter.
6. Wrap the edge of the circle on the rolling pin and roll the dough onto the pin being careful not to stretch or tear the dough.
7. Unroll the dough onto the pie plate.  Gently press the dough onto the plate making sure to leave the edges overlapping the plate.  Trim edges to ½ inch.  Fold excess dough under and flute the edge.
8. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork or place pastry balls on the dough and bake for 10 minutes or until golden (or according to package directions if you purchased crust).
9. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

At this point, I suggest you find something else to do for awhile.  The filling doesn’t take long to make, and the crust will still be too warm to hold the filling if you make it now.   When you are ready to make the filling, pay close attention to the time.  The time spent on each step really does make a difference.

1. In a large glass or metal bowl, beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for four minutes.
2. Stir in the cooled chocolate and vanilla.
3. Add one egg to the mixture.  Beat on high speed for five minutes.  Seriously.  Scrape the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the second egg.  Beat on high speed for five minutes.  You should start to see the reason why this pie is called French SILK Pie.  Scrape the sides of the bowl.
5. Add the third egg.  Beat on high speed for five minutes.  Scrape the sides of the bowl.
6. Transfer chocolate mixture to pie crust.  Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least five hours.

Make the topping right before you are ready to use it.  To make the topping faster and fluffier, make sure the whipping cream, the bowl, and the beaters are cold before beginning the recipe.

1. In a large glass bowl, add whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla.  Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.  That’s all.  See.  I told you it was easy.
2. Gently scrape the whipped cream onto the chocolate filling.  Fluff and spread with a flat knife or offset spatula.  Top with chocolate shavings.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers.

 Eh, voila!  French Silk Pie.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

For those of you who have not seen the season premiere, you might want to stop reading now (but come back later!).

The white screen turned into clouds.  Jack, looking like 2004 Jack, was on the plane.  OMG!  And Rose was sitting across the aisle!  And Bernard was in the bathroom!  And the flight attendant was the one from the Tailies who disappeared on the island with the children.  And everything was the same as it was before the crash!  The bomb worked!  OMG!!!  And the island is under water!  OMG!

Or did it?  Kate woke up on the island in 2007.  And so did Miles.  And so did Sawyer and Hurley and Sayid and . . . JACK!  OMG!!!

So instead of flashbacks or flashforwards, this season we’ll see alternate reality.  How will this be resolved?  Will the characters get to choose which reality they want?  Will they be redeemed in both realities?  Will the Jacob vs. Man-in-Black war resolve the reality?

And what about that Jacob vs. MIB battle?  At the end of season five, we saw Ben stab Jacob and John Locke/MIB kick him into the fire.  This season, we learn that the MIB is indeed the Smoke Monster, and he holds nothing back.  We learn that the group led by Ilana were Jacob’s body guards, but after Jacob’s death, Smokey unleashes his fury.  The ash circle that is supposed to keep Smokey away?  It works, but Smokey can outsmart it if he so chooses.  There seems to be nothing that can stop Smokey now that Jacob is dead, and Ben is witness to it.  Ben’s world is being rocked throughout the season premiere as he learns that he has not helped John Locke but instead someone posing as John Locke.  Before last night’s awakening, did Ben know about the existence of the MIB as an entity as he knew of Jacob?

Back on the plane, Desmond sits next to Jack!  OMG!  If the island didn’t exist, it makes sense that Desmond wouldn’t be on it in 2004, but why is he on the plane?  And what does this mean about Charles Widmore and Penny and baby Charlie?  Will baby Charlie not exist because Desmond doesn’t get to meet Charlie on the island, or will he still be born and be named after Penny’s father? 

Charlie is on the plane.  He is found passed out in the bathroom.  Jack saves him by pulling out the drug sack that was lodged in his throat.  As a result, Charlie is escorted off the plane upon landing by law enforcement.  We also see Kate as the fugitive and Sawyer the con man who talks to Hurley, the luckiest man on earth.  Locke is on the plane and talks to Boone.  We learn that Shannon didn’t leave Australia.   And we learn that landing at LAX instead of crashing on the island doesn’t result in a better life for all of the lostaways.

Back on the island, Sayid is dying.  He is “too far gone” both physically and spiritually.  He asks Hurley what will happen to him when he dies.  He’s tortured and killed more people than he can count.  He thinks there is no hope for him.  AND THEN . . . DEAD JACOB WALKS OUT OF THE WILDERNESS!  He tells Hurley to take Sayid to the temple.

Meanwhile, Kate hears Juliet under the rubble, and Sawyer, Jack, Miles, and Kate start digging to save her.  With the help of the Dharma van, they remove the heaviest metal and Sawyer climbs down into the hole to Juliet.   Juliet tells Sawyer that she struck the bomb.  Then she mumbles something about meeting up for coffee.  Sawyer realizes that Juliet is a goner.  Then Juliet says she has something very important to tell him, but she dies before she can tell him.

I think she wanted to tell him that she is with child and that is what guided her decisions in the last episode of Season 5.  I think that is why Bernard offered her tea and why she wanted Sawyer to have the opportunity never to have seen the island. 

While Jake, Kate, Hurley, and Jin take Sayid to the temple, Sawyer asks Miles to stay behind with him to help bury Juliet.  As the only one who can talk to dead people, Sawyer wants Miles to speak to Juliet.  And what does Juliet say to Miles?  “It worked.”

Does she mean that the bomb worked?  Or does she mean that she finally figured out the baby problem of the island?  I REALLY want Juliet to come back to life and live happily ever after with Sawyer and have a family.  Or maybe they could meet in the alternate reality and live happily ever after.  I have no idea how I want this to happen, and I’m sure I’ll be happy with whatever the writers and producers plan for Sawyer, but it would be nice to have Sawyer’s story end with love and happiness (and not with Kate).

There is so much more to write about (Richard Alpert, the temple, Sayid, the scene at the airport with John Locke and Jack, CLAIRE!), but I have a real job to do today (darn!), so now, it’s time for the Wednesday morning water cooler talk.  Begin!

P.S.  On an unrelated topic, did you know that FlashForward is based on a book of the same name?  I’ve read it, and I’ll post my thoughts closer to the beginning of the second half of the season in March.

The 2009 film Sherlock Holmes directed by Guy Ritchie is pure entertainment, an almost flawless treat for the holiday season.  Beginning with the musical score reminiscent of an old turn-of-the-century bar room upright piano and ending with sanguine scene drawings, Sherlock Holmes brings the literary character to life in a light, action-packed, and charming feast.

When the story begins, Holmes and Dr. Watson, working with the local authorities, catch serial killer and black arts practitioner Lord Blackwood.  As Holmes and Watson prepare to wrap up yet another successful case with the execution of Lord Blackwood, Dr. Watson prepares to move out of the quarters he shares with Sherlock Holmes at Baker Street to move in with his fiancée.  When Lord Blackwood returns from the grave, the case is back on, and Holmes and Watson trace the clues to magic, murder, and secret identities.

The costumes and scenery provided almost as much entertainment as the action.  The dark, shadowy scenes, gritty streets, and costumed extras filled each screen and aid to move the story along. 

As mentioned at the top of this post, Sherlock Holmes is an almost flawless film for entertainment.  For true Sherlock Holmes fans, Robert Downey, Jr.’s Holmes veers far from the Holmes played by either Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett, the two actors most recognized as Holmes.  The dialogue, speech patterns, and wit are more in line with today’s audience than a representation of Doyle’s creation, and the mystery is weak.  One of the delights of a Doyle story were the unexpected results of Holmes’ deductions.

As pure entertainment, Sherlock Holmes is aces.  Although I never forgot I was watching Jude Law and Robert Downey, Jr., I didn’t mind.  I did mind Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler.  I would have liked an actress with a stronger voice and stronger features for the only person who outwits Sherlock Holmes.

Overall, I recommend Sherlock Holmes for an easy, entertainment-filled evening at the movies.

1.  Watching the final season of Lost (beginning in 27 DAYS!!!)  My expectations for the finale are the highest I’ve ever had for any television program.  Each episode of the series so far has held my attention and my fascination like nothing (and I mean NOTHING) ever has.  The only thing that even comes close to my love of Lost was my first savory bite of Beef Wellington (homemade pastry, not store-bought — cheaters!).

2.  Writing for this blog  This year I resolve to write more for “Films, Foods, & Fountain Pens.”  I promise!  And maybe this year, I’ll actually write something about food!

3.  Working less and playing more  We’ll have to see about this one.  I’m a small business owner, so this one will take a lot of effort.

4.  Reading lots of wonderful books  I have two that should arrive by FedEx tomorrow, so I’m on my way!  I’ll post reviews here.

5.  Cooking.  Cooking.  Cooking.  I received a new cookbook for Christmas, and I can’t wait to get something sizzling, sautéing, and stirring in the kitchen.  I’ll post the successes (there might be a few) and the mistakes (there will most likely be many) here.

That’s all for now.

• ABC.com’s ad for FlashForward states that “they’ve gone rogue.”  Way to bring in the Sarah Palin reference ABC.
• When I grow up I want to look like Sonya Walger.
• The side part is out of style.
• Lloyd Simcoe is a character who interests me — maybe the only one on the show.  I can latch onto his character.
• I don’t mind Joseph Fiennes’ American accent.
• I think Agent Noh’s fiancée is going to be dead in the future, and her flash forward is some sort of heaven-like vision.  Or not.
• I like the way she says “murder.”  I’m going to say it like that from now on. (I still need to find the name of the woman who called Agent Noh regarding his murder.)
• Not sure I like Dominic Monaghan as a villain.
• I’m not sure I care about predestination, fate, changing the course, or anything in that realm.  I used to believe, but now I’m not so sure.  It goes along with my 2012 theory.  If the world is going to end, where are you going to run? And why would you go there?  I don’t think I would go anywhere.  Maybe I’m just lazy. (BTW, I Binged 2012 to read about the movie, and Bing returned zero results – just a blank screen.  End of the world movie returns no results.  I’m hearing Twilight Zone music.)
• Plasma Afterburner,  Ray, Laser – how Star Trek of you
• Photo taken in 1991 – ooooo the plot thickens
• Tuesday, February 2 – the final season of Lost begins – 61 days – The countdown BEGINS!
• “You will know your killer.”  Dramatic pause.  And we’re still pausing.  And now we’re still pausing.  Aaaaaaaaaaand Jinkies!  It’s Mark!
• EW is going to start publishing recaps on Fridays which leads me to believe that a) they expect FlashForward to get better, b) the show’s leadership is encouraging EW to do it, or c) Jeff Jensen is seeking a lead- in to the final season of Lost.
• Favorite show of the season – Modern Family
• I still think Agent Noh is a villain.
• Who IS this lady?  I like the way she says “benFOOOrd” not like “benferd.”
• D Gibbons!
• Oh, it’s a funeral; would’ve been more interesting as a vision of heaven.
• A Christmas Carol is my friend’s favorite story.  He talks about it all year through.
• I see romance for Nicole and Bryce even though his flashes show him meeting Keiko.
• “I don’t like them.” – That’s actually funny.
• Many worlds theory
• Love is in bloom.
• Closing ambulance scene – not bad.
• Three minute preview for the March 2010 restart –best part of the show since the first episode; Maybe the break will bring an invigorated story line and character development.

Changing the channel to watch The Office.  Good night.

When I started this blog, I thought I had time to devote to it.  I even set a schedule for posts, and then life happened. 

Several months ago, I applied for a new job opportunity.  After waiting and waiting and waiting and hearing nothing, nothing, and nothing, I finally gave up.  The very next day I received a phone call from the organization.  They liked what they saw and were interested in meeting me.  After four plane trips, an eighteen hour drive, questioning on the level of government top secret security, and many wasted dollars, they offered the opportunity to someone else.

Oh well.  Better luck next time.

So, I’m back to my old life.  No new life for me (and boy was it going to be a doozy!).  I’d imagined a fabulous new apartment, lots of sunshine and warm weather, and many days of fun and creative explosions.  There was even a sailboat thrown into the fantasy somewhere.  But alas, I’m home to clouds, rain, potholes, pollution, and regular temperatures below freezing.

I considered posting on my travels and even wrote a few drafts, but I couldn’t find the proper time to devote to it.  I spent my free time in the airport and hotel actually trying to get real work done (imagine that), and ended up neglecting my good friend Blog.

Now that I’m home and settling back into the old routine (gosh that new routine was going to be fabulous!), I’m getting back to work and planning regular posts – more complaints, curmudgeonly behavior, criticism, and overall jerk-i-tude.

For tonight, I will watch (sigh) FlashForward – the final episode before the break (please be good please be good please be good)!  Maybe tomorrow I’ll post a recap.

Until next time . . .

Also want to note:  I made it through Kick a Ginger Day unscathed.  Yippee for me!

I resorted to teaching English at a private school for two years and during that time completely lost all zest for the written word.  I stopped writing.  I stopped reading.  I emptied all my files into the garbage bin (recycling hadn’t caught on in my town back then; I now obediently recycle everything.  Go Earth!).

I tried everything I could think to do to get my groove back.  I changed jobs.  It didn’t work.  I bought a new computer.  Nothing happened.  I bought a really nice pen that came with its own carrying case.  Nope.  I even thought the paper was the problem.  Some paper was too thick.  Some paper was too thin.  But then I found paper that was juuuust right — and still nothing.  I just didn’t have it.  Worse still, I thought maybe I never had it.  I was a study in failure. 

Fast forward (or FlashForward ) to 2009.  I picked up a copy of Nicholson Baker’s The Anthologist while on a recent business trip.

Paul Chowder is a published poet.  He’s recently compiled an anthology of poems that rhyme, aptly titled Only Rhyme, and he is charged with the task of writing the introduction.  Problem is Paul Chowder is a self-confessed second-rate published poet with writer’s block, a study in failure, and the poems he writes don’t rhyme.  His girlfriend walked out on him, he’s broke, and he doubts his own ability to write anything new and interesting.  Told by Paul as part stream-of-conscious narrative and part poetry lecture, The Anthologist takes the reader through a summer of office cleaning, ex-girlfriend pining, mouse catching, badminton playing, and ultimately introduction writing as Paul regains his muse, and along the way offers the reader a lesson or two (or twenty) on poets, rhythm, rhyme, and all the beauty of well-written and well-remembered poetry.

The Anthologist is a quick read (I read it in the airport on a layover), and an entertaining, light-hearted, and mildly humorous walk through one season of a middle-aged artist’s life.  While the poetry lessons fell somewhere between middle school music training and high school English class, the bored life of a procrastinating poet was believable, and The Anthologist makes my list of book recommendations for 2009.